(Click a region for more details) |
ECMR 1-1.3 litre manual hatchback, 3 door, power steering, front wheel drive (Ford Ka or similar).
CCAR 1.5-1.6 litre automatic sedan or liftback, 4 door, power steering, central locking, front wheel drive (Toyota Corolla or similar).
ICAR 2 litre automatic sedan, 4 door, power steering, central locking, front wheel drive (Ford Mondeo or similar).
Other car types are available. Please call for further details.
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| Spanning over a thousand miles from north to south, New Zealand is a land of immense contrasts. From the great long beaches of balmy sub-tropical Northland to the windswept moors of Stewart Island, just about every type of climate and vegetation is found here. |
| There are snow-capped alpine ranges and flower-strewn meadows, moon-like volcanic deserts and lush temperate rainforests.
For millions of years, while this island paradise remained undiscovered and uninhabited, its flora and fauna evolved in isolation, allowing species to develop that were unlike any others on earth. Because there were no predatory mammals on land, some of the birds became fearless, even losing the ability to fly.
Then abruptly, the land was colonised, first by the Maoris and later by Europeans, who cleared the forests and introduced their own plants and animals. ‘Exotic’ species like gorse, rats, dogs and cats, deer and possums quickly took hold, competing with native plants, reptiles and birds. Food and habitat became scarce and vulnerable flightless birds were no match for predators. This is the reason why some of New Zealand’s birds are today among the rarest species in the world.
Fortunately for visitors, many of the species that remain are either easily observed or widespread and found in great numbers. With patience and luck, rarer species can be observed as well. New Zealand’s well planned National Parks and Forest Reserves are instrumental in protecting the flora and fauna, yet allow access to them on well marked and graded trails.
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Why Self-Drive?
We offer an innovative selection of self-drive itineraries, which focus on the rich natural heritage of these beautiful islands, though also include major sites and places of historic and scenic interest. A self-drive holiday is particularly appropriate for those interested in nature, because it offers the flexibility to stop where, when and for as long as you want. However, unless you know exactly where and when to look for things, you may find you spend most of your time searching fruitlessly. This is where our tours really come into their own. |
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| © Hawe's Bay Tourism |
 Please contact our office on 01737 218 800 for a tailor-made quotation on any of our holidays... |
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Northland